The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is the newest and one of the largest aircrafts in the Air Force inventory. Weighing in at a maximum takeoff weight of 585,000 pounds and flying as fast as 590 mph, the 200-foot-long C-17 will show off its impressive aerial capability.
The C-17’s primary mission is to transport equipment, supplies and troops around the world. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is the home base for the 445th Airlift Wing that flies C-17s. The aircraft last performed an aerial demonstration at Dayton in 2010.
The KC-135 Stratotanker is the core aerial refueling aircraft for the U.S. Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 60 years. This large aerial tanker provides the U.S. Air Force capability to accomplish its primary mission of global reach. It provides aerial refueling support to all Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aircraft.
The KC-135 weighs 322,500 pounds. The heavy refueler flies at a speed of 530 mph. The KC-135 has never performed an aerial demonstration at Dayton.
The demo aircraft and crews will be traveling to Dayton from the 97th Air Mobility Wing, Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma. The C-17 and KC-135 will also both be on display so spectators will have an opportunity to tour them and talk with the flight crews.
“We are pleased to announce these two big additions to the 2019 show lineup,” said Scott Buchanan, chairman of the USATS Board of Trustees. “The C-17 is a hometown aircraft. To see it fly at the show alongside the KC-135 will be awesome.”
The Air Force C-17 and KC-135 will join a host of other attractions previously announced, including the world-renowned U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights, British Sea Harrier, GEICO Skytypers, Jacquie B Aerobatics, Team Oracle, Shockwave Jet Truck and Skip Stewart Aerobatics. Air show officials plan to announce other aircraft that will fly and appear on static display during the 2019 feature show in the months ahead.
Air show tickets are now on sale at the show's website, www.daytonairshow.com. Customers can enjoy print-at-home or print-to-mobile options available for website purchases.
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